25 September 2014Christopher Hogwood
Like everyone else, I grieve for the loss yesterday of Christopher Hogwood, a person to whom I owe an incalculable amount. If anyone missed the programme about him, made for his 70th birthday three years ago, here are some links to it:

Emma
31 December 2013In Praise of the Lute, and of Its Greatest English Master
This year and last, leading up to the 450th anniversary of John Dowland's birth, have been busy and wonderful for me. I have had the luck to be asked to devise four duo recitals of his music, with Jacob Heringman, Jakob Lindberg, Paul O'Dette and Takashi Tsunoda; and to share courses on Dowland with three of those and with David Miller. Read full article.4 September 2012Emma Kirkby to Sing at Judith Nelson Memorial Concert
Emma will sing at a concert on 10 September in Berkeley, California to commemorate soprano Judith Nelson. Read more...11 April 2012Emma Cancels April US Appearances Due to Laryngitis
Emma is sorry to report that she must miss her scheduled appearances in California and Oregon due to laryngitis and a cough. Read more...27 January 2011News of Emma's Forthcoming Award of the Queen's Medal for Music
Immediately after Emma performed at last night's birthday celebration for Roy Goodman, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the Master of the Queen's Music (a post like that of the Poet Laureate) came onto the stage to announce that Emma is to be the sixth recipient of the Queen's Medal for Music. The Medal rewards an individual who has had a major influence on the musical life of the UK. The Queen presents the medal in person in a ceremony at the palace, usually on or around 22 November, St Cecilia's Day (the patron saint of music) and also the birthday of Benjamin Britten. The award was first made in 2005, when the recipient was conductor and composer Sir Charles Mackerras. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.26 January 2011Roy Goodman's 60th Birthday Concert!Tonight at 7.30pm, Emma will take part in a special evening at St. John's, Smith Square, London SW1. Click here for more information...15 December 20102010: A Year in ReviewEmma recalls favourite moments of the past year ï¿½ people, places and concerts ï¿½ and sends season's greetings. Includes photos.

20 April 2010Concert update Emma says ï¿½Alas, I couldn't get to Katowice yesterday (Monday 19th) of course because of the ash-cloud, but I've been able to sort out travel for the concert in Belgium this Thursday 22nd, so that should be fine. Then train down to Laas (Pyrenees-Atlantiques) so that should be as advertised too (now on the website, but email us for contact information). I am hoping that the plane home next Sunday materialises, otherwise we'll have a rather long drive back!ï¿½10 April 2010As promised! Emma's news, and recent highlightsEmma says ï¿½I am looking forward to Hong Kong, where I will be performing - for the first time - in May, and then to Japan with London Baroque and two programmes of Shakespeare-related favourites. 2010 is proving quite a year for the Pergolesi Stabat Mater, with seven performances still to come; but I am also very fond of the Bach version, which has lovely respectful additions - he puts in beautiful phrases which are particularly fun for viola players! Recently I was privileged to hear Steven Devine play Bach's Goldberg Variations - absolutely stunning! and I really enjoyed working with the Holland Baroque Society in January on a programme of Locke, Purcell and Blow, with a recording to come.New releases since my last update include two on the BIS label: Handel's Nine German Arias and Stabat Mater; music by Vivaldi, Pergolesi & Bach - in addition to the BIS 4-CD compilation box The Artistry of Emma Kirkby that I mentioned last February. Next time I look forward to talking about Music for Mrs Arne, and a new duo programme with Anthony Rooley.ï¿½18 March 2010Coming soon: Emma's news, and recent highlightsEmma continues her busy performing schedule, but has promised to take a moment very soon to give us an update on her plans, and also recent CD releases.

Previous News Items

11 February 2009A Walking Boot and a CompilationEmma reports on her progress and talks about her upcoming compilation CD box-set from BIS.25 January 2009Metatarsal Number FiveEmma describes her foot injury and its effect on her schedule for the next few weeks.4 January 2009A Look Back at 2008Emma remembers the people, places and concerts she experienced in 2008, and sends her best wishes for the new year. Includes photos!20 November 2008Christmas music with soprano Susanne Rydén and Bell'Arte Salzburg, directed by Annegret SiedelFor three weeks leading up to the festive period, Emma, Susanne and the ensemble Bell'Arte Salzburg are performing In Nativitate Domini, sacred duets and solos celebrating this happy time.They begin in Hamburg, moving on to Barcelona, then (among others) Munich, Frankfurt, Bristol and York - finishing at St. John's Smith Square, London, with ï¿½...a banquet of pieces, some deep and plain, some tender and devotional, some filigree, some rustic, with threads of chorales and luscious string flounces, and a wondrous Biber Sonata in the centre.ï¿½ [Photo of Susanne Rydén by Maria Lindwall]20 November 2008Some of Emma's recent highlightsEmma says ï¿½Six concerts in Toronto with Tafelmusik; a riot of orchestral colours, and the chance to relive some of my favourite pieces - recitals in Spain and a recording in Sweden of Dowland & Purcell, with Jakob Lindberg on his unique Rauwolf lute - and the Coffee Cantata in Istanbul!ï¿½18 June 2008Dame Emma Kirkby Awarded the Honorary Degreeof Doctor of Music by the University of OxfordEmma Kirkby's contribution to the field of music was recognised at the University's annual Encaenia ceremony in June 2008. With her fellow Honorands and senior members of the University, she processed through the City to the Sheldonian Theatre where she was admitted to her degree by the Chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes. Read a transcript of the Public Orator's speech introducing her at the ceremony.15 May 2008Emma Kirkby continues her busy schedule of concerts, recordings and masterclassesAs her performance calendar shows, Emma has a wide variety of appearances scheduled in the UK, Europe and Canada during the rest of 2008. She is also to be the guest presenter on BBC Radio 3 Requests, beginning in June. Her plans for 2009 include a recording of Monteclair cantatas for the BIS label and, in October, a tour of the USA performing lute songs with Jakob Lindberg.16 June 2007Emma Kirkby To Be Appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British EmpireThe announcement has been made that Emma is to be included in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, published on 16th June 2007. Arrangements for receiving the award are still to be finalised, but will take place within the next five months. Emma says ï¿½My greatest pleasure has always been to work collaboratively, drawing inspiration from musicologists, directors and colleagues both vocal and instrumental. I am deeply grateful for this honour, which I see as a celebration of the powers of ensemble, clarity and stillness, beyond those of volume and display.ï¿½11 June 2007ï¿½South Bank Showï¿½ Presented by Melvyn (Lord) BraggScheduled Programme Date: Sunday, 22 July 2007 (ITV1)

Emma with Lord Bragg

Television cameras followed Emma undertaking a wide variety of engagements during May 2007; from coaching skilled amateur singers in Monteverdi madrigals in Udine, Italy ï¿½ to performing Bach cantatas with the Purcell quartet, and Hildegard sequences in the beautiful setting of St. Bartholomewï¿½s Church Smithfield, London. Other venues were Sherborne Abbey in Dorset (Couperin and Purcell duets with Miriam Allan, Charles Medlam and James Johnstone); Guildfordï¿½s Guildhall with Jakob Lindberg, and The Minstrel's Gallery Rotherfield with Anthony Rooley. View ITV's Coming Shows page.24 May 2007Article in the Daily Telegraphï¿½The greatest soprano never to sing a note of Verdiï¿½ï¿½Emma talks to Adam Sweeting about a life immersed in early music.15 February 2007Trip to China AnnouncedEmma performs the Bach B Minor Mass with the International Festival Chorus in October 2007 - her first performance in China. The trip also includes masterclasses and a recital with Jakob Lindberg.25 September 2006Teaching in SardiniaEmma is teaching in Sardinia in November 2006 with Jakob Lindberg and skilled amateur choir Lieti Cantores, singing Monteverdi madrigals at Meana Sarda.18 April 2006BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour InterviewEmma discusses what it is about the Renaissance and Baroque repertoire that she enjoys so much, and what aspects of the genre she thinks are important to pass on to the next generation of singers. Listen to the interview.